The Kamptal is a part of Lower Austria, about 40 miles north east of the Wachau, bordering Kremstal. It has 3,802 hectares of vines with a variety of different terroirs, ranging from loess over gravel to striking parcels of primary rock and even volcanic elements, as on the highly regarded Heiligenstein (Hell rock!). Mostly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are planted in the region, however red wine is gaining in significance. Riesling is planted along the steep terraces on south-facing slopes, and in some places it's so steep that no layers of loess can form a hold; they produce powerful, mineral wines with exceptional aging potential. Southwards towards the Danube, there is a change in the soil structure to wider loess and loam terraces giving the perfect conditions for traditional, but also full-bodied Grüner Veltiner, as well as the red and white Pinot varieties and Zweigelt. The Danube River just skirts the southernmost limit of the region. The Kamp River runs right through it north to south. It's the driest in comparison to the Wachau and Kremstal and it's influenced by the Pannonian plain heat from the east that mingles with the cooler temperatures from the Waldviertel region to the north west.